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Established in 1828, the Library of Michigan is the official library agency for the State of Michigan. Its primary functions include providing information services to state government and the general public, advocating for and supporting the Michigan library community through educational, administrative and financial programming and preserving published state government information.

Michigan’s judicial branch is composed of several entities including the Michigan Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Court of Claims, trial courts and several administrative agencies with oversight and support responsibilities such as the State Court Administrative Office, Friend of the Court, the Michigan Judicial Institute and others. These court divisions and agencies adjudicate civil and criminal issues and questions of law within the state of Michigan.

The mission of the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development is, "Assure the food safety, agricultural, environmental, and economic interests of the people of the State of Michigan are met through service, partnership and collaboration."

The attorney general is the lawyer for the State of Michigan and renders opinions on matters of law, and provides legal counsel for the legislature and for each officer, department, board, and commission of state government. The AG provides legal representation in court actions and assists in the conduct of official hearings held by state agencies.

The Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) secures the full enjoyment of civil rights guaranteed by law and the constitution for Michigan citizens through the elimination of discrimination. The MDCR investigates and resolves complaints of discrimination; promotes voluntary compliance with civil rights laws through mediation; referral; crisis intervention and anti-hate crime outreach and education programming and the dissemination of information which explains citizen rights and responsibilities.

The Department of Corrections administers Michigan's adult prison, probation, and parole systems. The department has jurisdiction over all adults convicted of felonies who are sentenced to prison and provides probation services for the various felony courts in Michigan's counties.

The Department of Education, under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, carries out the policies of the State Board of Education. The Department implements federal and state legislative mandates in education.

The department is dedicated to protecting human health and to preserving a healthy environment through environmental stewardship, affirming that a healthy environment is critical to our social, cultural, and economic well-being. The MDEQ protects human health and the environment while fostering a healthy economy by effective and efficient administration of agency programs through use of innovative strategies.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services promotes health and wellness of families by working on disease, genomics, toxicology, environmental health, education, and public health preparedness. MDHHS provides mental health care to families, support for substance abuse and addiction, and operates the state's psychiatric hospitals as well as preserving access to care, supporting health policy and providing healthcare coverage for people with limited incomes through Medicaid.

The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees the licensing and regulation of individuals and entities in Michigan, assists other state government agencies in maintaining an efficient regulatory structure and implements safety and health regulations.

The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) executes the duties laid down by various statutes and the governor, administration of state-supported veterans programming, and maintains military preparedness to assist both state and federal authorities. The Adjutant General is appointed by the governor and serves as commanding general of the Michigan National Guard and as director of the DMVA.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources oversees the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources. The DNR’s responsibilities include protecting natural and cultural resources, ensuring sustainable recreation use and enjoyment, enabling strong natural resource-based economies through effective business practices and good governance.

The Department of State is the oldest department of Michigan state government and is administered by the Secretary of State. SOS programs administer driver and vehicle systems, enhance traffic safety, protect consumers, ensure integrity of records maintained and oversee the statewide elections process.

The Department of Talent and Economic Development (TED) consists of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Michigan Strategic Fund and the Talent Investment Agency (TIA), combining job creation and economic development efforts under one umbrella.

The primary functions of the Department of Transportation (MDOT) are the construction, improvement, and maintenance of the state highway system and the administration of other state transportation programs. MDOT responsibilities include the development and implementation of comprehensive transportation plans for the entire state, including aeronautics and bus and rail transit, providing professional and technical assistance, and the administration of state and federal funds allocated for these programs.

The Michigan Department of Treasury is responsible for collecting, disbursing, and investing all state monies. The Department advises the Governor on all tax and revenue policy, collects and administers state taxes, and safeguards the credit of the state. The Department is also responsible for the fiscal health of Michigan’s local governments and schools.

Michigan’s governors are the chief executive of the state. Some gubernatorial duties include organization and management of the executive branch, commander-in-chief of the state military establishment, recommending necessary or desirable measures to the Legislature, convening the Legislature under special circumstances, signing legislation into law, issuing executive orders, making appointments to certain government positions and issuing commutations and pardons.

The majority of the bicameral Michigan Legislature's (and associated support agencies) work entails lawmaking through a process defined by the state constitution, statute, and legislative rules. Through the lawmaking process, the legislature levies taxes and appropriates funds, proposes amendments to the state constitution and considers legislation proposed by initiatory petitions. The legislature also provides oversight of the executive branch of government through the administrative rules and audit processes, committees, and the budget process; advises and consents, through the Senate, on gubernatorial appointments; and considers proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United States.

Under the oversight of the Commissioner of Lottery, the Bureau of State Lottery carries out the operation and management of lottery and charitable gaming within the state. A percentage of revenues from the state lottery support Michigan schools.

The Auditor General is appointed by a majority vote of the legislative members to serve an eight year term, as prescribed by the Michigan Constitution of 1963. The Constitution and other statutes provide the Auditor General with the authority to conduct post financial and performance audits of all branches, departments, offices, boards, authorities, and other institutions. The OAG fulfills these mandates by directly conducting or contracting for audits executed in accordance with professional accounting and auditing standards.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) provides 24-hour statewide police service for the safety and protection of the people and their property in the state of Michigan. Primary responsibilities include reducing opportunities for crime and traffic accidents through enforcement of Michigan laws and to act as a first responder to any citizen's needs that can be addressed through the resources of the criminal justice system.